Lawn aeration is an important part of any lawn care regimen. It’s one of the things that will keep your turf thriving. But how does it help? What does aerating a lawn do?
Well, let’s find out.
The Art & Science of Lawn Aeration
There are a few different methods that can be used to aerate a lawn. We recommend a core aeration. A machine perforates tiny holes into the soil, allowing air, nutrients, and water to reach the roots of your grass and help them grow deeply.
The need for lawn aeration is driven by compacted soil. Due to mechanical stresses like heavy traffic or regular mowing (among other factors), soil particles can be pushed closer together, which in turn decreases the density of the soil and limits its pore space. This ultimately leaves little room for water filtration and air movement within the soil, negatively affecting lawn health.
Best performed in spring or fall (or better yet, both seasons), lawn aeration essentially loosens the soil to restore the breathing room it requires. Newly opened spaces in the soil allow nutrients to reach grass roots — and as these roots become healthier, plants have the room they need to grow to their full potential.
(Tip: How do you know if your soil is compacted? While thin, patchy areas of grass can be a strong indicator, we also advise looking out for the pooling of water in low areas of your lawn as well as water runoff in high areas. When water fails to infiltrate soil, it can be a sign that soil particles are too close together.)
DIY Versus Professional: Which Way to Go With Lawn Aeration
As is the case with our lawn maintenance tasks, there’s often the debate over whether to take the DIY route or hire professionals to handle lawn aeration. Here are some of the reasons we recommend turning the reins over to a professional.
Reduced Costs
The cost of renting or buying an aerator for your lawn can add up quickly. (Aerator rentals can go up to $80 per day, while the average aerator can cost you double that price to purchase.) By hiring a professional, you’ll gain access to state-of-the-art aeration equipment without the cost of having to invest in (and in some cases, maintain) the machine.
Minimal Time
Let’s say you’re aerating a lawn that is about 5,000 square feet. Aerating your own lawn can translate into at least several hours of work. This takes away time that could be relaxing with your family. Having professional handle your lawn aeration gives you that time back. It also limits physical labor that can lead to fatigue and even injury.
Better Results
Incorrectly aerating your lawn can actually cause more damage than good. A professional with years of experience gives you the assurance that your lawn’s needs will be met. It also ensures that the best results will be achieved. Your lawn will look its best, and you’ll avoid costly repairs down the road.
Contact Lush Lawn for Your Aeration Needs
When you hire a lawn care professional like Lush Lawn, you can expect a seamless aeration process. Using state-of-the-art aerator machines, we remove plugs of soil from your lawn so that air, water, and nutrients are reaching the roots of grass and you get the healthy lawn you desire.
Whether you’re interested in an early fall or early spring aeration (or both), our team can help. Simply fill out a request for a free quote, and we’ll be in touch.